Citation

Schalamon J, Von Bismarck S, Mayr J, Hollwarth ME. Monatsschr. Kinderheilkd. 2002; 150(11): 1381-1383.

Affiliation

Universitat fur Kinderchirurgie, Auenbruggerplatz 34, A-8036 Graz, Austria. (johannes.schalamon@kfunigraz.ac.at)

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Background. Due to the increasing number of accidents associated with small-wheeled nonmotorized scooters we analysed mechanisms of injury, outcome and prevention strategies in our paediatric patients. Methods. Between July and October 2000 74 children were treated. Beside analysing patients charts, 67 of 74 (91%) families were interviewed by telephone in order to gain detailed information about the accident and the outcome. Results. 83% of the children fell due to minor unevenness of the riding surface, another 7% got caught in gratings covering sewer lines with the small wheels. Most frequent were head injuries, 13% had to be admitted to in-patient care. Discussion. The public awareness of the potential danger using a scooter should be increased. Moreover, the use of protective gear is widely not accepted. A change in the construction of the scooter (shock-absorbers, wider wheels) could effectively reduce the risk of an accident and prevent injuries.